Summer is the deadliest season for teen drivers, and crowded Shore towns with constant congestion and pedestrians can make an already-tough driving environment even worse. In an effort to educate teens and adults about the importance of driving safely and the dangers of distracted driving, StreetSafe joins the OCPD Traffic Safety Unit and the Casey Feldman Memorial Foundation, which honors Casey Feldman, a Springfield, PA 21 year old who was struck and killed by a distracted driver in Ocean City during the summer of 2009.

At the event, guests will hear from noted speakers and will be able to participate in Drive Square Simulation System’ demonstrations. Drive Square is the most advanced and realistic driving simulator available today, allowing participants to drive in virtual reality by wearing computerized goggles while operating the controls of a StreetSafe vehicle from Subaru. By introducing dangerous situations such as unexpected obstructions, sudden maneuvers from other drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, Drive Square allows participants to practice their driving skills while in a safe, controlled environment. Participants first measure their ability to drive in dangerous situations while concentrating only on driving. A distraction—such as talking on the phone or texting—is then introduced, and the effects of distracted driving are immediately apparent.

StreetSafe, which recently opened its third location in Haddonfield, NJ near its partner Subaru of America’s headquarters in Cherry Hill, NJ, is offering behind-the-wheel lessons for teens at the Southern Jersey Shore in the summer months. At the distracted driving workshop, StreetSafe will provide parents and teens with information about its driver training program that ensures teens have the skills they need to survive on the road and become lifelong safe drivers.

Featured speakers will include:

•Joel Feldman, father of the late Casey Feldman who is active in the fight against distracted driving
•Meg Kramer, Founder of StreetSafe
•Dave Poirier, Vice President of Operations for StreetSafe
•Police Sgt. Brian Hopely, Supervisor of the Ocean City Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit

This event will take place at the Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Avenue, Ocean City, on Saturday, July 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m..